Objective. This study was performed to determine the efficacy and tolerability/safety of IQP-AE-103 on body weight reduction in overweight to moderately obese adults. Methods. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved one hundred and eight subjects (BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m2) that were randomly assigned to either the low-dose or the high-dose IQP-AE-103 group, or the placebo group. Following a 2-week run-in period, subjects received two capsules of investigational product after three daily main meals for 12 weeks. Subjects were instructed to maintain a nutritionally balanced hypocaloric diet according to the individual’s energy requirement. Body weight, body fat, and waist and hip circumference were measured at baseline, and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Subjects also rated their feelings of hunger and fullness using visual analogue scales, and food craving on a 5-point scale at the same time intervals. Blood samplings for safety laboratory parameters were taken before and at the end of the study. Results. After 12 weeks of intake, the high-dose IQP-AE-103 group had a significantly greater weight loss compared with the placebo (5.03 ± 2.50 kg vs. 0.98 ± 2.06 kg, respectively; p<0.001) and the low-dose group (3.01 ± 2.19 kg; p=0.001). The high-dose group experienced a decrease in body fat of 3.15 ± 2.41 kg compared with a decrease of 0.23 ± 2.74 kg for the placebo group (p<0.001). High-dose IQP-AE-103 also decreased the feeling of hunger in 66% subjects. A beneficial effect of IQP-AE-103 on the lipid metabolism was also demonstrated in the subgroup of subjects with baseline total cholesterol levels above 6.2 mmol/L. No side effects related to the intake of IQP-AE-103 were reported. Conclusions. These findings indicate that IQP-AE-103 could be an effective and safe weight loss intervention. This trial is registered with NCT03058367.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the industrialized world, with the main risk factors being elevated blood pressure and blood lipid levels, leading to arterial stiffness and arteriosclerosis. In this study, we examined the effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on arterial elasticity, using the EndoPAT™ technology in subjects with slightly elevated blood pressure. This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial examined 57 subjects over a period of 12 weeks, with EndoPAT™ measurements taken at 0 and 12 weeks; in addition, changes in blood pressure were analyzed. The positive effect of AGE on blood pressure values previously reported was confirmed. The results revealed a significant decrease in blood pressure in the AGE group, and in particular diastolic blood pressure. Using the EndoPAT™ technology, the augmentation index (AI) was analyzed, which measures arterial stiffness calculated via pulse waveform analysis of the PAT signal; lower AI values reflect better arterial elasticity. The AGE group exhibited a significant improvement in arterial elasticity, measured as AI 75 , by 21.6%. The result of this well-controlled clinical trial confirmed the positive effect of AGE on blood pressure. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, the effect of AGE on arterial elasticity could be proven using the EndoPAT™ methodology. These results not only demonstrate the positive effects of AGE on the relevant risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, but also the direct effect on arterial elasticity. These data clearly indicate that AGE may exert several positive direct effects on the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit and tolerability of two dosages of a proprietary flaxseed mucilage (IQP-LU-104) in reducing body weight in overweight and moderately obese individuals. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, bi-center trial, 108 participants (Body Mass Index (BMI) 25 to < 35 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to receive either IQP-LU-104 high dose (104HD), IQP-LU-104 low dose (104LD), or placebo. Participants were instructed to consume 1 sachet of the investigational product (containing IQP-LU-104 or matching placebo) before or with main meals twice daily and to follow a balanced but hypocaloric diet (20% reduction of individual’s daily energy requirements) for 12 weeks. At week 0 (baseline), week 4, 8 and 12 of the intervention periods, the participants’ body weight, BMI, body fat composition and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Blood samples were collected for safety assessment at screening visit (week -2) and at the end of the study. Adverse events were assessed by the investigators through interviewing the participants and were recorded at every visit post screening. Results: At the end of the 12-week study, body weight reduction was greater in the 104HD group (4.96 ± 1.89 kg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo) and 104LD group (3.70 ± 2.57 kg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo) compared to the placebo group (1.33 ± 2.05 kg). 68% and 46% of participants in the 104HD group (p < 0.001 vs. placebo) and 104LD group (p = 0.002 vs. placebo) respectively experienced at least 5% weight loss, compared to 9% of participants in the placebo group. Significant decreases in waist and hip circumferences were observed in both the 104HD and 104LD groups compared to the placebo group (each p < 0.001). 104HD group had significantly higher reduction in body fat mass (4.25 ± 5.86 kg) than the placebo group (1.06 ± 3.20 kg) (p = 0.002). Respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal symptoms were the main adverse events reported and none of the adverse events were related to the intake of IQP-LU-104. Conclusion: Results demonstrated IQP-LU-104 is safe and efficacious in body weight reduction at both dosages in overweight and moderately obese individuals.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical benefit and tolerability of IQP-AO-101 in healthy subjects with sleep complaints. Methods. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved fifty subjects with sleep complaints. Subjects with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score between 6 and 15 were randomized to receive either IQP-AO-101 or placebo for 6 weeks, following a run-in period of one week. Sleep parameters were assessed at baseline and after 1, 4, and 6 weeks using the modified Athens Insomnia Scale (mAIS). Subjects were also instructed to wear an activity tracker and keep a sleep diary during the study. Other questionnaires administered were the Frankfurt Attention Inventory (FAIR-2) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS-65). Blood samples for safety laboratory parameters were taken before and at the end of the study. Results. After 6 weeks, subjects who consumed IQP-AO-101 reported significant improvements in mAIS scores compared with placebo, including mAIS total score (11.76 ± 6.85 vs 4.00 ± 4.80; p < 0.001); night parameters composite score (5.20 ± 3.80 vs 2.04 ± 3.16; p = 0.001); and day parameters composite score (6.56 ± 4.10 vs 1.96 ± 2.65; p < 0.001). All individual parameters (Items 1 to 8) were also significantly improved from baseline after 6 weeks of IQP-AO-101 intake. Analysis of variance with baseline values as covariates showed statistically significant improvements across all individual parameters for IQP-AO-101 when compared to placebo. The measurements using the activity tracker, sleep diary, FAIR-2, and POMS did not reveal any significant differences between groups. No adverse effects related to the intake of IQP-AO-101 were reported. Tolerability was rated as very good by all the subjects and by the investigator for all cases. Conclusions. In this study, IQP-AO-101 was well tolerated and efficacious for promoting sleep and enhancing daytime performance in subjects with moderate sleep disturbances. Clinical Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT03114696.

The individual ingredients in IQP-VV-102 have demonstrated promising effects in reducing sugar and starch digestion, which potentially leads to weight loss. The trial objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IQP-VV-102 in reducing body weight in overweight and obese subjects. 120 overweight and obese individuals aged 18 to 60 years were randomly assigned to 2 treatment arms (IQP-VV-102 and placebo). The trial was conducted in 2 study centres in Berlin, Germany. The primary efficacy analysis was conducted on 117 subjects (IQP-VV-102: N = 54; placebo: N = 59), comparing the weight loss effect at baseline and 12 weeks after randomization. There was a statistically significant reduction in mean body weight of 3.29 kg (SD 2.30) in the IQP-VV-102 group compared to 0.83 kg (SD 2.00) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). There were no serious or product-related adverse events that were reported over the combined period of 14 weeks. The findings suggested that IQP-VV-102 is effective and safe in body weight reduction in overweight and obese individuals in the short term. The study is registered under clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01681069.

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